Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has teamed up with Accenture to focus on private 5G opportunities for UK enterprises. Their plans include developing industry-specific solutions, incorporating AI and compute technologies based on Accenture’s edge platform.
In a collaborative statement, they clarified that the project aims to assist local businesses in utilizing 5G capabilities. The UK private network market is projected to reach GBP 528 million by 2030.
As part of the collaboration, the companies plan to provide “a broad set of applications for multiple industry segments,” including the utilization of AI computer vision for enhancing product quality control in factories and implementing “queue management systems” to enhance customer satisfaction.
Initially, Accenture and VMO2 will concentrate on industries such as construction, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, utilities, warehousing, and sports venues.
The upcoming solutions will incorporate cybersecurity, data analytics, AI, and edge computing services, all developed on Accenture’s Edge Orchestration Platform, a cloud-based asset management product. Furthermore, the companies intend to promote these solutions globally, utilizing the support of VMO2’s parent company, Liberty Global, to expand beyond the UK market.
Jo Bertram, MD of Business and Wholesale at VMO2, claimed it will utilize Accenture’s “industry-specific knowledge and proven digital platform and solutions to help broaden our offering to businesses,” citing safe communications at construction sites and powering critical medical devices as examples.
In 2022, the operator launched the UK’s inaugural “5G-connected hospital” and secured a significant 5G factory contract with British Sugar.
In a parallel development, Accenture unveiled plans last year to invest USD 3 billion in AI to enhance its enterprise initiatives.
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